Coast may become off-limits to DRDO

BHUBANESWAR: The State Government on Friday indicated it might not allow Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to use the State’s coastline for carrying out seaward artillery practice and manoeuvres."Let them (DRDO) first stop objecting to our port projects,” Chief Secretary B K Patnaik told mediapersons after a meeting with DRDO officials here. He said the proposed port projects would certainly help the growth of the State and boost its economy. However, the efforts by the State Government has come to naught because of  objections from the DRDO.The State Government has proposed to develop ports at Chudamani, Kirtania, Inchudi and Bahabalpur. But these projects are yet to get clearances from the Defence Ministry.Though it was a regular practice by the DRDO to undertake artillery practice and manoeuvres along Balasore and Bhadrak coast but the State Government in February had refused to give permission to the defence establishment to use its shore.“The Government refused to give permission to DRDO in February. No exercise has been carried out since then,” a senior official of Commerce and Transport Department said.  The State Government’s appeal to the Centre seeking intervention into the dispute with DRDO has been ignored by the Defence Ministry, the official said adding the Government wanted to set up ports without harming DRDO activities.